Opus

Opus is an incredible album. It is a spine-chilling emotionally charged collection of magical musical mastery from a guitar virtuoso. Al can clearly lay claim to his own genre with this release. Touching on all the genres Al is famous for, from Latin to Jazz to Classical and even Rock, this multi-faceted and complex musical journey is an incredible experience. From the incredibly haunting and beautiful multi-part 10 minute masterpiece of 'Ava's Dream Sequence Lullaby' to the gorgeous harmonic improvisations of 'Broken Heart,' Opus showcases what is clearly, in my opinion, Al's greatest works to date. The music has emotional exuberance that reaches back to his days with Cielo e Terra, and a technical brilliance that evokes his work on Kiss My Axe and Electric Rendezvous. For the first time in some years, he's broken through and produced wholly original and fresh compositions which showcase his technical genius but make it accessible and listenable. From the genius of inspiration from Led Zeppelin in 'Nortorious' and its pouncing rhythm, to the incredible inspiration and beautiful electric guitar solo in 'Broken Heart' lead you down a musical path that constantly makes you want to find the next exciting new sound and feeling. If I could wear out an mp3, I'm wearing out Opus. It's a joyous musical ride. Don't miss out.

To the gentlemen who judged the CD on only hearing samples. I think you need to hear the whole record first! By the way writing arpeggios first and or the harmony first has always from record one been the way I wrote. A melody without harmony is a strange way to write for me! It’s just now there’s even more melody and composition! Check out the whole record! Enjoy:)

I like what I'm hearing so far in the 1:30 samples of each track. I have one thought though. I'm not against Al's modern style so I'm not an old school fusion head. But consider this. Al has said in recent interviews he finds a rythm and an arppegio pattern before he ever finds a melody. Unforunately for this reason, his music struggles sometimes to find a soul as it's foundation is a purely intellectual basis. Look at the last two tracks on Electric Rendesvous or the last song on Kiss My Ax. Those are so beautiful and so purely melodic pieces. I wish Al would get out of his creative rut. I'll keep buying his music regardless. I'm a hard core fan.